Now the Premiership is done and dusted, it’s time to turn our thoughts to Euro 2016. To say we are excited is an understatement.

It’s fantastic that England, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland all qualified. We are very sad that Scotland didn’t make it this time around, but hope they’ll still throw their support behind the Brit contingent.

So, that begs the big question — where will you be watching the games?

Some fans prefer to host at home, maybe with some beers and a barbecue, or slip away from the office and watch the game in the lobby. Some companies are kind enough to set up TV screens … we remember that in the last World Cup … as the time difference from France means most games will start at lunchtime or early afternoon.

The Brits in Toronto crew love to meet up with fellow fans and find a pub to watch the games at. Nothing beats putting on your chosen team’s shirt and living the agony and ecstasy with those of the same ilk.

Update May 27, 2016
And here’s our first entrant. “Just wanted to get the word out that we’re showing the Euros on the telly at our pub! My Drunk Uncle’s Pub, 300 College Street, with a proper surly bartender and cheap beer!”

“I am bringing my solo Jane Austen Musical, Promise and Promiscuity to Toronto for the first time to the Randolph Theatre all the way from New Zealand. I have performed this show over 200 times in over 40 cities in six countries. So suffice to say, it’s a bit polished 🙂

“In it I play nine different Austen-style characters and tell a story that’s in the style of Austen — but is a brand new surprise for the audience. It also features quite a lot of pop culture references, innuendo, feminism and silliness thrown in for good … measure which not only comments on how far women have come but also on how far they had to go, all with a smile firmly in place.”

Penny says that there are some interesting angles:

“1. I am related to Jane Austen’s rumoured flirtation, Thomas Langlois Lefroy. He was played by James McAvoy in the movie Becoming Jane and he is my 5th Great Uncle. Amazingly! I only found this out after having done various Jane Austen Shows for five years in 2013. 2017 is also the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death. He is even touted as a possible inspiration for Mr Darcy, so I like to say he’s my uncle.

“2. I have performed this show all over Canada, at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, on a huge tour of New Zeland, across Australia and ran at 80% in the last Edinburgh Festival where I played at the prestigious Assembly Festival.

“3. The cult of Jane is huge the world over. The fans being called the Janeites with societies everywhere. Here in Wellington the local society came to my show and invited me out for dinner, I have had lunch with the Jane Austen society of Adelaide and given a talk, I have even lectured at the University of British Columbia. I love it!”

Penny Ashton squeals in utter delight and merriment as her Umbrella Drone starts to pick up speed

CIC News is reporting that Canada is moving closer to bringing new measures into law that would allow immigrants to apply for Canadian citizenship earlier and more easily than is currently the case.

Canada also recognizes dual citizenship so you can still keep your British connections and enjoy a new life as a Brit in Toronto.

There are some changes coming July 1, 2016 to the Canadian Citizenship Act, one being, “A reduction in the amount of time permanent residents have to live in Canada in order to become eligible to apply for citizenship, from four out of six years to three out of five years.

“Further, certain applicants who spent time in Canada on temporary status would be able to count a portion of this time towards the three-year requirement.”

The main crux of the issue is the fact that UK pensioners living abroad in certain countries — including Canada — have their state pension frozen … but those living elsewhere see the amount they receive uprated annually.

We feel that’s a tad unfair.

Luckily, Ian Blackford, upstanding bloke and MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, is leading the charge to amend things and said, “The Government should reflect on the ‘injustice’ of the current system,” as he highlighted the strength of support for change among a large group of cross-party MPs.

Even though he was born in Toronto, Geoff grew up in a British household and spent time in the UK. His family are from Devon and London and he currently works at Mississauga-based Griffin & Highbury diamond company.

Geoff is looking to hire possibly one candidate for a sales position. “The sales are telephone based,” he writes. “It pays a salary as well as commission that is very competitive.

“We help in the acquisition of fancy coloured diamonds for investment purposes. I am looking for a self-motivated, driven young person to reach out to prospective clients via telephone and to complete 10-minute online presentations to prospects on the merits and risks of diamond investment. Answering any questions and or concerns they may have and ultimately making a sale.

“The candidate must have a thick skin, make a lot of phone calls and present well. A money-motivated person is probably a bonus as well. No diamond knowledge is required as training will be extensive.

“Many years ago someone would have given my family an opportunity when they came to Canada from London. Maybe this could be me paying it forward?” he adds.

So there you have it. If this role interests you, contact Geoff at gblack AT griffinandhighbury DOT COM com or dog and bone him on 905-813-0008 and mention Brits in Toronto.